The Corkscrew Caper

Set in the southern city of Taranto, thirty–year–old rookie private investigator, Alberto Bianco, is called to investigate a series of crimes caused by a fire at the villa of Franco Bollo, a well–known Italian businessman, casino owner, and antique corkscrew collector. With Bollo and his live–in girlfriend dead in the fire and valuable corkscrews missing from Bollo's collection, Alberto is given the job of untangling a case of arson, murder, and theft. He looks for advice from a crusty retired detective and asks his boss, Chief Inspector Casarotto, for an intern, Paolo Marino, to help him with the case. Alberto knows he is getting somewhere when an attempt is made on his life. Learning that a prime suspect has fled to the United States, Alberto partners with Detective Terry Mooney of the Boston Police Department, and the chase is on.

When stolen corkscrews show up in America, Bianco and Mooney know they are on the right track. During his trip to America, Alberto makes time to visit his love interest, Maria, and her family for the holidays. Once his suspect is safely back in Italy, his trial begins and is brought to a satisfying conclusion. With the trial over, Alberto's family is concerned that his job is too dangerous. Toggling between the idea of creating a small private investigation company with Paolo or leaving the profession altogether, Alberto decides to do what he does best.

-- E.A. Maruggi